Robert Dessaix

Robert Dessaix, author of 'Chameleon' and a prominent voice on life reflections, shares insights from his rich experiences in Hobart. He discusses the evolving perspectives on aging, art, and the embrace of death as a part of happiness. The conversation also touches on his journey through atheism, identity, and the societal pressures surrounding marriage for gay men. With a humorous recounting of a memorable lunch date and thoughts on loneliness, Dessaix invites listeners into his world of creativity and personal growth.

In this chat with Robert Dessaix, an acclaimed Tasmanian writer known for his versatile contributions to literature and broadcasting, the conversation dives into the layered themes of memory and identity. He reflects on his new memoir 'Chameleon,' revealing his humorous approach to self-representation. Topics like the emotive dance of memory, the tensions between self-acceptance and envy, and the transformative power of travel and literature are explored. Robert's insights on embracing change are as captivating as his rich literary journey.

In this engaging conversation, Robert Dessaix, an esteemed Australian public intellectual and author, shares insights from his new book, ‘Abracadabra’. He discusses the impact of his adoptive father's influence on his identity and explores the significance of names. The challenges of learning languages like French and Russian highlight how language shapes our narratives. Dessaix also reflects on literature's role in understanding personal and geographical identities, alongside a nostalgic look at Enid Blyton's adventures, and the transformative power of love and friendship.